Past Exhibits

Reflections Of Our Past - The Jim Bollman Collection

May 2019-April 2020

This special exhibit at the American Banjo Museum features some unique and one of a kind banjos and banjo memorabilia from Jim Bollman's years of collecting. Bollman, from Boston, MA is an internationally known banjo collector who has amassed what Forbes Magazine called, "the most complete collection of 19th-centrury banjos and ephemera" in the century. The exhibit features a few of Bollman's most valued items. Click here to read comments from Bollman on each item in the exhibit.

Jim Henson - Life and Legacy

September 2018-April 2020

A special exhibit at the American Banjo Museum Jim Henson – Life and Legacy fondly remembers the optimistic visionary of who created the Muppets and positively influenced generations of the young and young at heart. In addition to Kermit the Frog, original artwork, rare photographs, pop culture objects and many very personal insights, Jim Henson – Life and Legacy will feature a very special banjo as well. One of the most famous banjos of all time, the Muppets Banjo, originally owned and played by British musician Martin Kershaw, has arguably accompanied more stars than any other banjo in history.

Philadelphia’s Mummers – Struttin’ Their Stuff

May 2018-April 2019

A special exhibit at the American Banjo Museum features the Philadelphia Mummers and the fabled New Year’s Day Mummers Parade, the oldest annual folk celebration in the US. See costumes from parades past and learn about the history and traditions of the M ummers and the String Bands of Philadelphia.

America’s Super Picker – Roy Clark

February 2017 – April 2018

Taking the best from an impoverished childhood and developing innate talent into international superstardom, the life and career of the man known as America’s Super Picker, Roy Clark is celebrated in a new exhibit at the American Banjo Museum.

Through his own words, artifacts of his career, and rate photographs from his personal collection, Roy Clark shares what can only be described as an amazing life and career in a new exhibit entitled, AMERICA’S SUPER PICKER – ROY CLARK. The exhibit will be at the American Banjo Museum through March of 2018. The exhibit chronicles the entire spectrum of Clark’s musical life – from his earliest musical exploits (including practicing the guitar until his fingers bled!) to performing with Brad Paisley on the nationally televised Country Music Association awards program in 2016.

The Banjo World of Steve Martin

February 2016-January 2017

Best known for films such as The Jerk, The Pink Panther and, most recently, the animated feature Home, as well as numerous written works, Martin has become an American entertainment institution. However, few people are truly familiar with his musical prowess. The Banjo World of Steve Martin features Martin’s skill as a banjo player as part of his “Wild and Crazy Guy” persona. From the early years at Disney and Knott’s Berry Farm to later years when his career returned to its musical roots, resulting in award winning and critically acclaimed recordings, concerts and theatrical presentations.

The exhibit featured three of Martin’s banjos which were on personal loan for an exclusive exhibit at the American Banjo Museum. Martin’s 1959 Gibson RB-170 was his first banjo and the one he learned to play the three-finger picking style of Earl Scruggs by slowing down Scruggs' recordings to half their original speed. The 1927 Gibson Florentine was Martin’s second banjo and the one most associated with his career, as well as his personal favorite. The 1926 Gibson Granada which features Gibson’s unique “ball bearing” tone system is only used for one song Rare Bird Alert, which Martin penned. In addition to memorabilia and rare photos, The Banjo World of Steve Martin features an exclusive interview where Martin discusses his love for America’s instrument, the banjo.